Phone-to-Mac control
Send instructions from an iPhone and have Mermaid carry them out on the Mac, even when you are away from the computer.
Mermaid
Mermaid is an AI agent that lets iPhone users send instructions to their Mac and have tasks carried out in the Mac apps they already use. It is designed for remote Mac work, with phone-based status updates and approval for consequential actions.
Remote AI agent for Mac
Mermaid is an AI agent for Mac that lets you send instructions from an iPhone and have the Mac carry out the work in its existing applications. Instead of manually operating the computer, you can describe a task on your phone; Mermaid uses apps such as Notes, Safari, Mail, Finder, VS Code, and others to complete it, then reports the result back to the phone.
The product is intended for situations where you need something done on your Mac but are not currently at the computer. The Mac must be on, awake, and online, and the iPhone and Mac must be paired and signed in to the same account. Mermaid is in beta; iPhone access is provided through TestFlight early access, and Android support is listed as coming soon.
Mermaid is not limited to unattended automation: Live Screen and Take Over provide ways to view or work on the Mac directly when you prefer to handle the task yourself.
Features
Works across Mac apps
Mermaid works with apps already installed on the Mac, including Safari, Chrome, Notes, Mail, Messages, VS Code, WhatsApp, Finder, and Claude.
Result checking and status updates
The agent checks the result of its work and reports completion on the phone, so you can see whether the requested task finished.
Live Screen and Take Over
Use Live Screen when you want to view the Mac, or Take Over when you want to work on it yourself instead of delegating the task.
Approval controls
Approve consequential operations, including sending messages or deleting files, from the phone before they happen. A Stop control is available at any time.
Remote connectivity
After the initial pairing, the Mac can be reached over Wi-Fi or mobile data rather than requiring the phone and Mac to remain on the same local network.
Use cases
Create notes remotely
Ask Mermaid to create a note with structured content, such as a weekend packing list, while you are away; the Mac opens Notes and writes it for you.
Handle routine Mac tasks from elsewhere
Start work in a Mac application without sitting at the computer, such as opening a browser, preparing a document, or navigating files using the apps already installed on the Mac.
Prepare communication
Use the phone to initiate communication-related work in Mail, Messages, or WhatsApp, with approval required before a message is sent.
Work with development tools remotely
Delegate a coding or project task in an application such as VS Code, then review the completion status on the phone rather than waiting at the Mac.
Take control when needed
Switch from delegated execution to direct interaction when a task needs personal attention by using Live Screen or Take Over.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lets users start Mac tasks from an iPhone while away from the computer.
- Uses the Mac apps already installed instead of requiring separate app-specific setup.
- Provides phone-based approval for consequential actions and a Stop control.
- Reports when work is complete and offers Live Screen and Take Over for direct interaction.
Cons
- The Mac must remain on, awake, and online for remote requests to reach it.
- Current support requires a Mac and iPhone; Android support is still coming soon.
- The product is in beta, and iPhone access requires requesting a TestFlight invitation.
FAQ
What devices and operating systems does Mermaid support?
You need a Mac with Apple silicon or Intel running macOS 14 or later, an iPhone running iOS 17 or later, Mermaid installed on both devices, and both devices signed in to the same account. Mermaid for Android is coming soon.
Does Mermaid require the phone and Mac to use the same Wi-Fi?
The devices only need to be on the same Wi-Fi network for the first pairing. After that, Mermaid can reach the Mac over Wi-Fi or mobile data, provided the Mac is on, awake, and online.
Can Mermaid perform actions without approval?
Before consequential actions such as sending a message or deleting files, Mermaid asks for approval on the phone. You can also tap Stop at any time.
How much does Mermaid cost during the beta?
Mermaid is free during the beta and includes an AI usage allowance. Live Screen and Take Over do not use that allowance.
How do I get Mermaid for iPhone?
Mermaid for iPhone is available in beta through TestFlight. Enter your email to request early access, and Apple sends an invitation. You also need Mermaid for Mac on the Mac you want to use.
Quick Facts
- Category
- AI productivity assistant
- Primary workflow
- Text instructions on iPhone; task execution on Mac
- Mac requirement
- Apple silicon or Intel Mac running macOS 14 or later
- iPhone requirement
- iPhone running iOS 17 or later
- Connectivity
- Same Wi-Fi for first pairing; Wi-Fi or mobile data afterward
- Availability
- Beta; Android app coming soon
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